Colombo Trip Overview
Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura which s named as a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Climb the Mihintale rock which is considered as the Birth place or the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. End you’re your with an exciting and adventurous visit to the Vilpaththuwa National Park in a 4 x 4 Jeep Safari.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura which s named as a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Climb the Mihintale rock which is considered as the Birth place or the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. End you’re your with an exciting and adventurous visit to the Vilpaththuwa National Park in a 4 x 4 Jeep Safari.
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-offs
• Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with a travel guide driver
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo/Colombo – Anuradhapura
Stop At: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the most ancient trees which are living even today standing tall in the Mahamewna Gardens in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. The tree is believed to have sprouted from a cutting brought from Bodh Gaya in India, where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment. The tree is an authentic and living link to Gautama Buddha and is often respected as the oldest tree in history which has a recorded date of the plantation.This ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree has been protected and cared for by many years by the ancient kings and queens as well as the Buddhist monks. Although the tree is sacred for the Buddhists, many people belonging to other religions also pay a visit to the tree to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty and to get a sense of calm from their day to day life.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Abhayawewa Road, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
The Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the largest stupas or dagobas, which is in the heart of the beautiful heritage city of Anuradhapura. This magnificent stupa was built by King Dutugamunu, who was hailed to be the hero of the island. The Ruwanweliseya stupa is also known as the Maha stupa and is one of the most adorned structures of the people of Sri Lanka.Today the Ruwanweliseya stupa stands tall with a height of 338 feet and a diameter of 951 ft. The stupa is surrounded by large paved courts and platforms which add to the beauty of the place. Till today, there are many renovations which have taken place from time which has made the Ruwanweliseya stupa is one of the most revered and influential areas of worship for the Buddhists in Anuradhapura.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Jethawanaramaya Stupa, Watawandana Road B341, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
Jetavanaramaya monastery is one of the largest monasteries in the heritage city of Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. This magnificent structure was the third-largest structure in the ancient world. Legend has it that a part of Buddha’s sash or belt was tied and preserved here at the Jetavanaramaya monastery.The Jetavanaramaya stupa comes with a fascinating historical significance which depicts the differences going on between the two sects of Buddhism- Theravada and Mahayana sects of Buddhism.Today, the stupa is no longer the tallest, but is one of the largest in the world, with an area of over five hectares and housing over 10,000 monks.The Jetavanaram stupa is a great way to experience the Buddhist culture in its purest form.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dagoba of Thuparama, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Thuparamaya, also known as Thuparama, is the first stupa which was constructed in Sri Lanka after the introduction to Buddhism and is in the beautiful city of Anuradhapura. The ancient stupa of Thuparamaya was built during the reign of the King Devamnampiyatissa somewhere in the 3rd Century BCE and is said to enshrine the right collar bone of Gautama Buddha. The ruins of the complex today cover an area of approximately three and a half acres of land.The shape of the stupa was initially of a paddy rice shape which was later restored to a conventional bell shape in the year 1862. There were several changes to Thuparama, but some of the most significant changes were first in the 7th Century BCE when the stupa had gold and silver castings, further changes also took place in the 10th Century BCE, to the final renovations in 1862 which completely changed the structure of the stupa.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lovamahapaya Brazen Palace, End of Trincomalee Rd, Anuradhapura 50000 Sri Lanka
The Brazen Palace or Lovamahapaya is a 2000-year-old palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in 2nd century B.C and had 1600 stone columns that supported nine stories reaching 150 feet and sides of 400 feet length with 1000 rooms. It is also known as the Brazen Place because of the bronze tiles that were used on its roof. One will also see roofed building, which is a replica of what the building might have looked like in its time. This building is a modern chapter house currently being used by the Maha Vihara monastic order. There is also a 45- feet rice boat cut from a stone which could historically prepare alms for 3,000 monks at a time in the Mahavihara monastery. It is convenient to visit this place as it lies between the major sites of Anuradhapura, i.e. the Maha Bodhi Temple and Ruvanveliseya. Though in ruins now, the structure is a testament of a bygone age and is a rich source of heritage and local culture.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight Stay in a 3 Star Hotel In Anuradhapura
Day 2: Anuradhapura – Mihintale – Negombo/Colombo
Stop At: Mihintale, Anuradhapura Sri Lanka
Ceylon, as it was formerly known rests on a beautiful landscape down south of India; hills, beaches, valleys and waterfalls adorn this country. One such ancient marvel is the hills of Mihintale located 12 km from Anuradhapura which are known for religion, monarchy, warfare and the underlying sense of scenic diversity.Buddhism saw its conception in Sri Lanka in the rocky hills of Mihintale when King Devanampiya Tissa met monk Mahinda on the hilltop. Ever since then the Sri Lankans have had a stronghold of Buddhist teachings which was later enriched by Islam and Hinduism. Their lives revolve around religious beliefs that makes Mihintale a city with significant architecture, tranquil stupas and sanctuaries. All in all, the people hold sentiments close to their hearts and a trip to Mihintale will speak immensely about their beliefs.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Wilpatthuwa National Park has an enviable distinction of being the oldest and the largest national park in the country. The park has earned its significant name from the small villus which are small natural lakes located through the sanctuary. Wilpattu is known for its large population of leopards, among the highest in Sri Lanka. Apart from the leopards, one can spot a multitude of other mammals and reptiles at Wilpattu, such as the Sri Lankan elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, Indian python and monitor lizards. The bird species at the national park includes Sri Lankan junglefowl, whistling teal and painted storks. Interestingly, the national park also has a specific historical significance.
Duration: 5 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
